The Essential Functions of Speech-Language Pathologists establishes the expectations and requisite abilities considered necessary for professionals in the field of speech-language pathology.  Students in the Missouri State Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders/Speech-Language Pathology program are to achieve the level of competency required for graduation and practice.  It is recognized that degrees of ability vary widely among individuals.  Admission candidates who feel they may not be able to acquire the essential functions set forth are encouraged to contact the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders.  Any admission candidate who may require academic accommodations to fulfill the essential functions due to a disability are encouraged to contact the Office of Disability Support Services, Office of Student Life and Development at 417-836-4192 (voice) or 417-836-6792 (TTY).  The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Missouri State seeks to ensure that qualified persons with disabilities are not denied admission or subject to discrimination in admissions.  The Department is committed to enabling students by any reasonable means or accommodations to complete the course of study leading to the Master of Science, Communication Sciences and Disorders.

The following Essential Functions are consistent with the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association clinical skill performance guidelines, and  the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education guidelines expected of first year speech-language therapists in public schools.  All essential functions are introduced and coached within CSD/SLP coursework and practicum.

Physical Abilities:

• Participate in professional responsibilities/activities for up to four-hour blocks of time with one or two breaks.
• Move independently to, from, and in work setting.
• Provide for one’s own personal hygiene.
• Manipulate screening/diagnostic materials, including completion of screening/evaluation protocols.
• Effectively implement necessary treatment plan appropriate for client, including use of materials/instrumentation and data collection.
• Provide a safe environment for others in responding quickly to emergency situations including fire, choking, etc., and in application of universal precautions.
• Visually monitor client responses and materials.
• Make accurate judgments about speech and/or acoustic signals.

Behavioral and Social Attributes:

• Maintain emotional and mental health required for use of intellectual abilities, prompt completion of responsibilities, and development of appropriate relationships with clients and colleagues.
• Maintain composure and emotional stability in demanding situations.
• Adapt to changing environments and situations.
• Communicate effectively with people in person, by phone, and in written form by considering the communication needs and cultural values of the listener.
• Understand and respect supervisory authority.
• Maintain appropriate professional behavior, including punctuality and regular attendance.
• Demonstrate compassion, integrity, interest, and motivation in delivering professional responsibilities to other individuals.
• Participate in collaboration with other professionals.

Intellectual Abilities:

• Demonstrate the mental capacity to learn and assimilate professional information, including the ability to read and comprehend professional literature and reports.
• Solve clinical problems through critical analysis.
• Seek relevant case information, synthesize, and apply concepts and information from various sources and disciplines.
• Write discipline-specific papers and clinical reports in English.
• Speak Standard American English intelligibly, including the ability to model English phonemes.
• Analyze, synthesize, and interpret ideas and concepts in academic and diagnostic/treatment settings.
• Maintain attention and concentration for sufficient time to complete clinical activities for up to 4-hour blocks of time with one or two breaks.
• Schedule and prioritize activities, and provide documentation in a timely manner.
• Comply with administrative, legal, and regulatory policies.